Identity Theft and its Targets

Written 7/14/2011

Identity theft has already become rampant nowadays that not a single individual can confidently say that he or she is completely protected from it. As a matter of fact, two identity thieves were arrested on October 2008 for breaking into the personal bank account of Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of the French Republic. This incident clearly shows that identity theft excuses no one regardless of age, race, and social status.

One of the most common misconceptions that the public holds about identity theft relates to its chosen targets. Many individuals believe that identity thieves only go after those who belong to the rich and famous society. It is disheartening to say, however, that anyone with a name is vulnerable to the ferocity of this criminal act. Even those with financial worries are not exempted from identity theft.

Another false impression that the majority has regarding identity theft is that it only victimizes adults. Identity thieves can also use a child's information to take advantage of an existing financial account or to open new accounts. This can be practiced even by those who are close to the child's family or perhaps by those who are employees of the child's educational institution.

Senior citizens are also more susceptible to identity theft. Most perpetrators target them especially when they are facing a situational or financial crisis. An identity thief, for instance, will purportedly offer a loan to an elderly who has recently lost a spouse in order to collect personal information. Being faced with life's trials, this elderly is almost defenseless from this fraudulent modus.

Indeed, being victimized with identity theft is devastating. It has the capacity to inflict a significant degree of emotional pain that is unlikely to heal through time. It is therefore essential to protect yourself and your loved ones from being the culprit's next target.